In season nine, episode six of The Walking Dead, we were introduced to a new group of survivors – Magna, Luke, Yumiko, Connie, and Kelly. When Judith and the others bring them to Alexandria, Michonne is very cold towards them and has no interest in hearing their plea out in court. Who could blame her for having trust issues? Eventually, Michonne comes around and decides that she will personally escort the group to Hilltop.

Out of the group, Magna is a little rough around the edges and seems to act on impulse. She is quite protective of her group which can lead to her becoming hostile towards outsiders. Nadia Hilker, who plays Magna, lays out the perfect description for her character. “No one should ever feel too comfortable around her, nor believe they figured her out,” said Hilker. “She loves her people and would, without a doubt, do anything for her group. Yumiko brings more a motherly type of energy to the group and Magna more fatherly.” It is quite fitting for both Yumiko and Magna to share these respective roles as they share a romantic relationship on screen.

Magna can come off as a misunderstood misfit, but it is because she tends to hide her emotions. Hilker said, “I think she wants to take care of everyone. And I think she wants to help everyone as much as she can, but I think she has a hard time doing that because she doesn’t really know how. She’s just not good at showing love, I think. Even though she does.”

Although Magna comes off as more aggressive and the “bodyguard” type, Hilker does not see her fighting for a leadership role. “I think for now, and it’s very early on, I don’t think that Magna wants to be a leader. Which doesn’t mean that she wouldn’t be a good one, but I don’t think she would be the one that enjoys telling people how to do things and what to do,” Hilker said. She does, however, show potential.

As the episodes go on, hopefully, more will be revealed of the mysterious Magna character. The Walking Dead will return on February 10 on AMC.